Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
728. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 455 of 5 March 2024, the reason her Department requires the destination of a person's travel as evidence of travel in order to access the two week holiday entitlement under the disability allowance scheme; and in what case or circumstance would a signed letter from the recipient not be sufficient evidence. [11952/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, means test and Habitual Residency conditions.
Except in certain exceptional circumstances, DA is not payable for any period in respect of which the claimant is resident outside of the state under Section 249 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005.
The decision on the level of evidence required is determined on a case by case basis and can be predicated on the frequency or duration of travel, amongst other matters. The proof of travel plans ensures compliance with the continued eligibility for DA payments during travel periods.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
